Overview & Reviews

The Mazda Tribute was a compact SUV known for its practical packaging, agile handling, surprising V6 performance and solid value. As a crossover SUV, it was more of a truck masquerading as a car than vice-versa in people packaging, although it also combined all-weather driving utility with a friendly, easy-to-drive character. Introduced for 2001, Mazda marketed the Tribute as the Miata of SUVs, and we found the claim not far off the mark. As with its mechanical twin the Ford Escape, the Tribute featured the most powerful V6 engine in its class and could haul up to five passengers and their gear in a practical, space-efficient cabin.

While our editors found the Mazda Tribute to be one of the best small SUVs on the market when it was introduced, age and plenty of newer competitors dropped its standing considerably. After a one-year hiatus, the Tribute returned with new styling and a snazzier interior. However, its underpinnings remained virtually unchanged, leaving the Tribute still behind other compact SUVs, including the carlike Mazda CX-7. Much like the Ford Escape that it closely resembles, the Mazda Tribute began life as a smaller sort of Ford Explorer only to be supplanted by a more carlike breed of crossover.

After 2011, Mazda discontinued the Tribute and effectively replaced it with the more modern and efficient CX-5.

Most Recent Mazda Tribute
Built from 2008 through 2011, the second-generation Mazda Tribute was offered as the four-cylinder "i" and six-cylinder "s" models, which were each available in three trims: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. All-wheel drive was optional on all trims.

Although nearly identical mechanically to the previous-generation model, this Tribute received significant changes to its styling and interior. The latter in particular was greatly improved, with much better materials. Its design and switchgear were consistent with Ford products, however. Initially, this revised Tribute came with the same engine choices as before, which were the 153-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder and 200-hp 3.0-liter V6, with both running through a four-speed automatic transmission.

The following year brought big improvements in the powertrain department, with a choice of either a 171-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6, both coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission (except in the i Sport 2WD, which had a five-speed manual). In addition to the standard models, a hybrid model dubbed the Tribute HEV was also available and, as expected, proved to be a virtual twin of the Ford Escape Hybrid. The HEV earned a combined fuel economy estimate as high as 32 mpg.

Handling was respectable, with the Tribute cornering with a controlled amount of body roll and proving composed in quick transitions. The ride was relatively smooth as well, making this SUV a suitable choice for commuting or hauling the family around. However, its trucklike, utility-style packaging didn't match up against a generation of new carlike competitors with more luxurious interior treatments, higher refinement and superior driving dynamics. As such, although a used Tribute would still be a good choice, we'd encourage consumers to consider its rivals as well.

Past Mazda Tribute Models
The Mazda Tribute was originally introduced in 2001, and there were relatively minor changes made over the next few years until the significant 2008 refresh. The Tribute was offered in DX, DX V6, LX V6 and ES V6 trim levels until 2005, when the i and s trims replaced them. These designations represented the engine choice. The 2005 model change also saw a minor exterior face-lift, a revised suspension and the debut of the more powerful 153-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. Previously, the base engine was a 2.0-liter inline-4 that made a paltry 130 hp. The bigger engine was always the 200-hp 3.0-liter V6.

Functional and space-efficient on the inside, practical and tough on the outside and generally fun to drive wherever life took it, the Mazda Tribute was always one of our favorite compact SUVs when it came to utility. If you're looking at this Tribute, we'd recommend a V6-powered version (particularly for pre-2005 vehicles), despite its thirst for fuel, as the four-cylinder is a pretty anemic performer. It should also be noted that the interior isn't nearly as nice as that of the second-generation model.

User Reviews:

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  2006 Tribute Cant Tow - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By frisbeeboy - September 28 - 9:44 am

  I researched and bought my 2006 Tribute s AWD, but it did not have the factory tow package. The dealer told me that you can add a hitch. The only problem is that it wont accept aftermarket wiring! I had two different trailer wiring harnesses installed by a pro and they both fired the module. The second one burned out the Tributes computer. Mazda replaced it as a "good will gesture", but said that it cant accept an aftermarket trailer harness. My tribute also needed the leather drivers seat cover replaced, and a sunroof switch. Can anyone help with the wiring issue. I really want to tow a small trailer and also want to keep the tribute. BTW- it only gets 18-20mpg around town.

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  Nicer than the rest - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By adriane - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking for an suv for the past 3 months, and test drove the Toyota Highlander, Rav 4, Honda CRV, Jeep Liberty and went for a 2nd ride in the Mazda Tribute. By far, it has the smoothest ride, and more inside space.

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  Best value in mini-SUVs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By cobraal - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We just rolled over 10K trouble-free miles in our 2wd Tributes ES. The Tribute has to be the best value in the mini-SUV market. It has as much or more passenger room (especially in the backseat) and cargo room as some midsize SUVs but in the size and price of a mini-SUV. My wife likes the driving position, its small proportions and low step-in height. It handles well for a tall vehicle, has great power, brakes and steering. The biggest surprise has been how smooth and quiet the engine and ride are. Plus we get 22 mpg in normal driving. Great value, highly recommended.

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  1 1/2 Year Review - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By kkcaufield - September 9 - 7:53 am

  I have had nothing but good success with this vehicle. Everyone forgets its a small SUV, not a Limousine. It rides like a little stiff - short wheel base- and seats are acceptable. It will never be quiet like a Cadillac, or smooth as a Mercedes. But its peppy & sporty. Now have 31K miles, and zero complaints. Dealer is excellent. Cant figure our why people complain when they know up front before they buy, its not going to get the gas mielage of a Corolla. And since its a small vehicle, you not going to get a huge gas tank - where would you put it? But...in winter time its great, 4 wheel drive works fine. I would recommend this vehicle highly.

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  Good looks and great handling - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lhoward - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have been researching SUVs for months. The Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV 4 were also on my list of hopefuls and I test-drove each one. What sold me on the Tribute is the handling, power of the V6 and the std. options available on the ES trimline. Because of a fleet program my Company participates in and a rebate offered by Mazda, I got my Tribute for $1,600 below dealer invoice. The Highlander is also nice but too costly once you add all of the same options offered in the Tribute.

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  6 Years Later - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carl - September 4 - 7:56 am

  Mazda Navajo Owner for 10 years - best vehicle ever; purchased Tribute and was satisfied with vehicle until the warranty ran out. Immediately thereafter, vehicle falling apart. Computer failed and stranded me 300 miles from home; cruise control not working, instrument panel not working,airbag sensor faulty, many electrical problems; power door locks failed and replaced; power window switches failed/replaced; fluid leaks that mechanics cannot locate, brake dust is horrible on wheels. Every week a new problem develops on this vehicle. Very disappointed -- the Mazda Tribute fails in comparison to my previous Navajo which went 150,000 miles no problems. The Tribute fell apart at 70,000 miles.

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  A- - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By JGZ - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great power. Good Looking. Reliable. Nice Size with lots of room.

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  Decent SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By spd - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Good power, fun to drive. Problems are that the disc brakes and rotors wore out at abt 30,000 miles. Mazda agreed to pay for it this time as they should have lasted longer. Recently I have a great deal of road noise due to tires wearing in a strange way. They are not worn out, but still have to be replaced. This vehicle is driven mainly on the freeway and should not have these types of problems at this mileage. Also, there is a whistling that occurs on the drivers side at around 70mph. Not a good thing when you spend most of your time on the freeways.

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  Love the V-6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim in Iowa - August 24 - 7:13 pm

  The V-6 Tribute is fantastic--very smooth and a blast to drive. Does not have that tippy feel that SUVs often have. I am 61" 195 lbs and feel very comfortable in the drivers seat. Gas prices seem to have motivated sellers-- I got mine below invoice plus $4000 in rebates. People complain about the gas mileage. I am getting a solid 20 mpg -- not great but better than I was led to believe. Good driving habits help. I got pkg 1 -- interior is okay, maybe a little plasticky. Pkg 2 gets you leather and walnut dash but no moonroof which I had to have. Pkg 3 gets you everything but it will cost you. I live on a gravel road where dirt is an issue. The titanium gray does a good job hiding it.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By CChan - August 18 - 9:16 pm

  So far this SUV has been an enjoyable experience, except for the incompetence I experienced at the dealership. I have always had full sized SUVs, but I test drove this one due to the rebate and liked the appearance of it and knew it was for me. All is running good so far.